Tampa Bay Bucs release Michael Bennett, send Maurice Stovall to I.R.

The Bucs released running back Michael Bennett to make room for Cadillac Williams on the 53-man roster.

The team  also announced two other moves. The Bucs placed receiver Maurice Stovall (hamstring) on injured reserve and signed receiver Brian Clark from the practice squad.

Bennett, who was aquired in a trade with Kansas City last season and re-signed as a free agent last spring, was seldom-used in the Bucs offense after leading the team in rushing during the preseason. He had just seven carries for 12 yards and was inactive four games.

Williams, who suffered a torn patellar tendon nearly 14 months ago, has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list. But after watching him practice for three weeks, the Bucs decided to activate him rather than place him on Injured Reserve.

Williams will join Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn and Clifton Smith at tailback. Graham is questionable for Sunday's game with a knee injury.

Comments

[Pat]

That's a shame, he was never given a chance in this offense to show what he could do. He's a very talented runner that could take it to the house on almost every plan with his speend. I believe he was labeled "not smart" when he got here and JG likes smart players that can pick up his "super difficult" offense quickly.

[Joseph Feldman (Toronto, Canada)]

Was there something wrong with Bennett? He looked good during the offseason. I was surprised we weren't playing him.

[Jay in Lake Mary]

i hope we didn't release Bennett too early... Seems like we are pretty thin at RB this week (not sure if Dunn or Graham are playing againist the Vikings)... Wish we could have released someone else from another position that we were deeper at... We'll see what happens... Good Luck Bucs !!!! (I'll be at the game cheering you on !!!!)

[DR]

What a waste of a trade last year. I wonder what the real deal is with Bennett. Why would he sign a contract with the Bucs in the off season? I will be looking forward to Bennett's interviews when he signed with another team. He will now be free to talk without retribution.

[James]

I had to stop reading the above post so I can challenge the seemingly ignorant usual bologna in it.

"That's a shame, he was never given a chance in this offense to show what he could do."

Just because he wasn't given the ball 20+ times a game you assume he "wasn't given a chance"? Have you ever heard of "don't practice, don't play"? I have, and I BELIEVE (cuz I, like you, don't know a damn thing that goes on inside/outside of One Buc) that he blew chunks in practice and never EARNED the opportunity to play on Sundays. But please, continue to pander to the countless amounts of others who believe they know more than the professionals.

"He's a very talented runner". Um... he is? I swear this former 1st Rounder has played in so many different colors he's beggining to be a fan favorite in San Francisco. "Very talented runners" don't go team to team and compete for 3rd string. Sorry bud.

Now the truth.

Micheal Bennett served his purpose. He was dealt for to fill the gap left by an injured Caddy. Well Caddy has returned and in REALITY, Micheal Bennett couldn't beat out Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn, a recovering Cadillac Williams or the laundry list of #1's and #2's in 'Sota, Nola and KC before landing here.

B.U.S.T. no doubt.

[mm]

there was a reason he was buried on KC's and Tampa Bay's depth chart. I'm not one to speculate but My guess would be pass protection. Of course we know that isn't Carnell's strength either but if your paying a guy what Williams is making it would make sense to get something for your money.

I'm sure the Gruden bashers will use this as another reason to criticize him, but there's got to be some issue with Bennett. He is indeed a talented runner, but this makes 3 teams that have given up on him.

[Gianluca]

4 team : minnesota , new orleans , kansas city and now bucs.

[nick]

I wouldv'e thought our "offensive genius" could have found some way to get Bennet on the field even though he didn't know the offense. It doesn't take much to catch a pass on the flat in open space where he could make something happen.

[shine]

Welcome back Caddilac.

[M]

I be this ticks off Stroud to no end!

[Cris]

I TOTALLY agree James!!!!! Just because he had a good Pre-season does not make you a starter in this league. C Smith had a small window to make a big impression, he did it! I'm not talking about the kick return, check out the chip block he made, there's more to being a starting RB than just speed. Ask Dexter Jackson.

[DR]

There is something more to it. With the injuries to the running backs on this team and the non use of Bennett, there is something more to the story. Not that it means much, but when you play Dunn with a pinched nerve in his neck over a healthy Bennett, something isn't right with the situation. There was way too much risk with that decision and it might have cost them the game.
Bennett will get picked up. Have you seen the injury report around the league? Denver probably already signed Bennett. They'll take anything right now.

[Pewter]

It would be a remarkable recovery if Cadillac can play this season and would be a testament to his heart and determination. Go Bucs!!

[Matt]

Caddy is a great runner, but hopefully he's figured out how to catch out of the backfield during his layoff because Garcia loves the check down, and dropping 5-6 passes a game will put him in Gruden's doghouse.

Post:9:13

Listen, get off your high horse, your no expert, like the rest of us.

However, after 5 years I am sick and tired of this "offensive Genius" crap with Gruden. I was a big Gruden supporter for years but there always seems to be issues with quarterback's.

It's always my way or the highway type of mentality. And listen, if he is so freakin smart, then why was Graham never given a chance. I thought he was so good at spotting talent. We continually are an "average" to "good team" with someone who has been annointed as some sort of "offensive God" but yet we can't seem to outscore anyone when we need to.

Dude; take of the blinders. He is an average coach who is always dividing his players and using this ridiculous reverse physcology crap that never works.

[Boe]

I walked into Five Guys in Westchase just as Bennett was walking out and getting into his Rolls last Thursday night. Maybe the cheeseburger and fries diet wasn't cutting it for him.

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

There is a significant difference between being a "fast runner" and being a "talented runner". Bennett is blindingly fast, but I have never in my life seen him put a move on a defensive player.

In his one carry against KC, where he was given a pitch-out on third-and-short, instead of sprinting to the sidelines attempting to get the most he could (and utilizing his speed) he stopped and tried to juke THREE defenders, who easily tackled him for a loss. Like Pittman before him, he just doesn't seem to have natural moves of an NFL running back.

That said, I'm sure Gruden wanted to keep him for insurance, but the rules are the rules and he had to make a call on bringing Cadillac in or putting him on IR. I think he made the right call.

[Tom]

I am very excited to see Caddy back on the field. He has worked his tail off to get back and he serves as an inspiration to all the Bucs players.

However, we'll get a close look at a guy we should've picked a couple of years ago with 4th overall pick! How we passed on AP for Gaines Adams still baffles me.

[Ed]

To DR & the COWARD that didn't display his/her name: Are you at practice to see Bennett? Seems that the only players that complain about Gruden are the ones that got cut! Heard of sour grapes? Who did he cut that complained and went on to have a great career? Oh, blinders? Who is the most winningest coach in Bucs history? And, within a half of a season of the "Almighty, its in your contract not to mess with the Indy offense DUNGY"!!! I know, Gruden took Mr Dungy's team to the Superbowl right? Did Callahan take Gruden's team then? Oh wait, you quit reading. Dude!!

[Frank]

This is puzzling, to say the least. Bennett's a former Pro-Bowler with exceptional speed who performed well in the preseason, yet we never really saw him. (How many guys in recent memory have come out of nowhere to play great and the fans say 'where was that guy!') Cadillac has not played in how long, 2 years essentially? Is this guy READY to play right now? Either Gruden is completely delusional (a possibility) or he'd like to see Cadillac fail miserably or suffer a career ending injury (also a possibility).

The Bucs are already razor-thin at RB so it sure makes sense to cut a healthy Bennett and replace him with a guy returning from a devastating injury who always is always a sniff away from the I.R. and/or a career-ending injury. Again, Gruden and this organization NEVER cease to amaze. Unreal.

bennett was amazing he is better than our backs now but just was not given a chance

[jeffshurtleff]

I hate Gruden for this. I'm a Vikings fan and always thought Bennett has gotten a bad deal.

His offense it too complex. Sometimes you just have to hand the ball off to a guy and let him run.

Trust me, big mistake. If Bennett can go somewhere and get a chance, he'll succeed.

[nick]

Get serious. You can't cut Ronde. One bad season in a lifetime is no reason to get cut. He's too valuable in the run stopping game.

[gruden is a meanie]

bennett would have racked up over 1,000 yards by now if gruden wasn't such a mean jerk who played scrubs like graham and dunn just to be a mean jerk. if any team is looking for a league MVP, there's one in Free Agency now. the bucs would be undefeated if they handed the ball to bennett 20 times a game but he'd rather be a mean jerk and lose. what a meanie. look how the vikings running game has struggled since they cut bennett, chester taylor only got 1,200 yards when he replaced him.

[Drew]

Bennett's problem was his mind set. He couldn't block or pick up blitzes. In the NFL, you may be able to run like the wind, but if you're unable to handle the other aspects as an NFL RB then you're a bust.

At best he was a good fit in two back formations. In a single back formation he just didn't fit well.

[Bryan]

Haha, cut Ronde? Are you serious?

lol.

People have off seasons, example: Derrick Brooks last year. Nothing is perfect. Ronde needs to stay.

[CW]

Yeah, the Ronde comment is just stupid. He's gotten beat on a few big plays this year, but he's a future HofFer and he's done enough for this franchise that we can ride out some of his missteps.

As for Bennett, he's obviously not on the team because he's not a good player. He got beat out by a freakin' undrafted free agent rookie from Fresno State - Clifton Smith. If you still think Bennett is "amazing", you're an "idiot".

[Mark]

Nice post Ed. First off I believe that Gruden is the reason we won the Super Bowl. I have never subscribed to the theory that he won with Dungy's team. If you look, I believe there were 7-8 different starters from 2001-2002. Which means it was Gruden's team.

However, since then, I believe Gruden has not done a good job. If you recall they started 4-0 the next season and they were the pick to win the SB again. He tore the team apart. It seems as if Gruden himself is questioning whether or not he was the architect of winning the SB.

It is always a soap opera with this team, trying to get in the "heads" of his players.

But tell me Ed, why when he has had 3 quarterbacks with 7 pro bowl appearances (4 for Garcia) he cannot run his "complicated offense". Did you know Garcia is one of only 7 quarterback's ever to throw for 30 TD's in back-to-seasons. But he felt the need to play head games with him?

Here's the kicker Ed, since you are so much smarter than I. How can Belichek take a guy who hasn't started a game since high school and have his team in first place. I bet more people think the Patriots have a better shot at the SB than the Bucs. That makes no sense to me. It's time for Gruden to be held accountable, over the years, his offense isn't that much better than Dungy's.

Finally Ed, what's the deal. Do you have 2 names, or are you James's gay lover. Why do you feel the need to respond for him? How thweet of you, you brute. Next time let the person who wrote the post answer, I'm sure he doesn't need you to protect him, or maybe he does.

[IMISS_No47]

and meanwhile Dexter Jackson eats up a roster spot

[Ed]

Mark: Don't know who James is, but guess you do. Don't worry, I don't go that way so don't be jealous! All these PRO BOWL Qb's have go on to do....? NOTHING! Oh the Pats? Have beaten who and in what division? The only thing I agree with is Gruden does need to look in the mirror when complaining about the offense or there lack of. Again, don't be jealous.

[DR]

Ed, where to start with your comments...Gruden is the winningest coach after six and a half seasons combined with playoff victories with a great defensive contending team he inherited. Dungy only had 6 seasons and had 54 regular season wins. Gruden still has 53 regular season wins.
Nobody has doubted what Gruden did with Oakland. If you look at them and what happened, you should be worried about the Bucs. The Oakland team depended on older vets and their window slammed shut and they went to crap. Look at the Bucs now. An old QB and old WRs. Look at what Herman Edwards did in KC. That's a true rebuilding period. He's got an up and coming QB that is getting better by the week throwing to young WRs and a young defense. KC has been in a lot of ball games despite their young age and will be around and competitive next year and years after. What do the Bucs got? Not much. And let's not kid ourselves. The Bucs are not a super bowl contender.

[DR]

Mark, nice post. Bennett isn't a great back but if he seriously wasn't played much because he didn't know the offense, it could only mean one of two things. The RB is really stupid or your offense is really stupid. How come other teams can bring in backs in the middle of the week and have them carrying the ball the same weekend?

[obamanation]

so here's a scenario...caddy comes back and gets reinjured...bennett is already signed to another team as we all know he will be and we have no healthy veteran to run the ball. what then?

is it just me or does it seem like this guy's ego makes all his personnel decisions?

[Valrico Rick]

Graham wasn't a good enough back to play in the regular season until the Bucs had no choice. The answer to the question, and it's amazing how much anger there is in these posts, is that Bennett was nothing more than an insurance policy and he was cut because he was low man. Considering all the injuries at running back I don't know if it's the smart cut, but they were going to admit their mistake and cut Jackson. Ronde Barber, the hero of the NFC Championship game in Philly, is stil the best corner on the Bucs, and if you would stop watching the games through the bottom of a beer cup you would see that. Never seen a corner get beat before? Then how do we ever get to see touchdown passes in any game? You guys really, really need to lighten up! 'Nuff Said!!!

[Ed]

That's what I was thinking obamanation. IF Cadillac Williams plays (BIG IF), mark my words right now he'll get hurt and will be lost forever. Bennett WILL get picked up, that's a certainty. So this moves makes us entirely more vulnerable at RB than ever. This is just a bad move. There must be an ulterior motive. Oh but wait, perhaps Dexter Jackson can fill the role. This move will backfire big-time. This 6-3 record is smoke and mirrors this year. I still think it'll 8-8 or 9-7 and IF the Bucs get in, it'll be a one and done in blowout fashion.

[oar]

All you Bennett lovers/Gruden haters are ridiculous. We were Bennett's 4th team of which he was released(twice Minn, Saints) or traded(Kansas City). So it would seem that he did not practice well and his poor blocking/blitz pick ups were his down fall. Caddy with a new and improved o-line might be great. Go Buc's!

why was dexter jackson not cut? do they think jackson is more valuable than bennett? Stupidity.

[bucfaninPhx]

please stop with the Jerramy Stevens so called"jokes". They're as tired and lame as the last post...Bennett was brought in only as a backup AFTER Caddy got hurt-there's a reason why all those teams got rid of him.There have been tons of guys with blazing speed who just cant cut it in the NFL.He is one of them

why are all you people calling bennett being cut a mistake? he obviously wasnt doing something right, and i thought that we should have selected AP also but Gaines has been a good pick, and he will also be a star in this league. Mr. Williams is back and i cant wait to see him run behing this O-line. GO GRUDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dontae]

why are all you people calling bennett being cut a mistake? he obviously wasnt doing something right, and i thought that we should have selected AP also but Gaines has been a good pick, and he will also be a star in this league. Mr. Williams is back and i cant wait to see him run behing this O-line. GO GRUDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[aj]

If I had to wager, I'd say Bennett's complaining about playing time last year doomed him here. Gruden doesn't like guys who don't tow the company line, like MeShawn.

It can't be about pass blocking because Caddy stinks at it, too, and they are rushing him back to the field. I understand the decision, but it does confuse me that you would get rid of your only healthy back.

It's time to get behind Caddy. Hope he does well, but the deck is stacked against him.

[obamanation]

@ aj: you mentioned "It can't be about pass blocking because Caddy stinks at it, too," however cadillac was not drafted by gruden/allen in the first round a couple years ago so this may well be more about psychology and perception than it is about logic.

one thing i've learned is that it is a business first and a game afterwards which is why i don't really get too attached to teams as such. i know bennett will land on his feet either way but i don't respect this move at all from several angles least of all the depth angle.

[Caleb]

Bennett isn't a football player, he's just a glorified track star. His time in the league is over.

[Tuck]

Bennett was easily smart enough to pick up the Buc's offense; his skills just weren't a good fit.

A heathly trifecta of Caddy, EG, & Dunn could be downright awesome! I hope that each of them can get back to 100% quickly.

The Bucs gave up four #1 draft picks and two #2 picks for Keyshawn & Gruden. I think that Gruden has done a terrific job considering those limitations.

[derek]

welcome back caddy!!!! looking forward to seein u again

[greg]

The midget is a great personnel man...let Thomas Jones go...(who hated him)...Lynch..oh, and he briefly brought in charlie garner..remember from oakland??.who never played a down..lol..dexter jackson this year, bypassed stevenjackson in one draft..haha...c williams is not an every-down back and the bucs are mediocre.

[shane]

deja vu for us bucs fans(the real ones) caddy comes back against the Vikes this weekend, the same team he got his first start against and we remember how that game went.

[go20]

I am so sick and tired of Bucs fans who are stuck in '02. Infatuated with Sapp, Lynch, Barber, and Alstott. I'm sorry - but this is a 'what have you done lately' league. If you can no longer cover a receiver, I do not want you on the team. At $75 a pop for my season tickets, I want production! Reality folks, stick to reality.